Oil spill preparations intensify on Dauphin Island (video, photos)

Dennis Pillion / al.comNational Guard crews erected this barricade along West End Public Beach on Dauphin Island, May 3, 2010. The barricade will be filled with a biochemical agent intended to solidify any oil it comes in contact with, making the oil easier to remove.Oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico did not reach shore as early as expected, and work crews from the private sector and the National Guard are using that extra time to do whatever they can to prepare Dauphin Island for the oil's arrival.

Oil spill preparations intensify on Dauphin Island

National Guard crews deployed Hesco containers around West End Public Beach, the far west side of Dauphin Island. The containers, metal cages lined with special green material, will be filled with C.I. Agent, a biochemical substance designed to solidify any oil that comes into contact with it. The solidified oil is then easier to remove.

Private contractors, such as Crowder Gulf, worked through the night Monday building a massive sand berm along the Gulf-facing shore on the western half of the island. The berm will stretch for miles along the narrow island to prevent oil from flowing over the top of the island.

Crews in boats also deployed more plastic booms in the water to contain oil. The crews replaced booms that had been damaged or displaced by rough weather and currents over the past few days, and covered new areas.